Caroline May

Vice President Joe Biden’s self-defense advice — warding off potential intruders with two shotgun blasts outside the house — has had an impact on at least one man.

Jeffery Barton, a 52-year-old Vancouver, Wash. resident, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges stemming from his decision to chase alleged car intruders away with a shotgun blast in the air. He cited Biden’s advice as his inspiration, according to a local news report.

“I did what Joe Biden told me to do,” Barton told KOIN. “I went outside and fired my shotgun in the air.”

During an online question and answer townhall event in February Biden advised that people keep intruders away by firing two shotgun blasts outside.

“I said, Jill, if there’s ever a problem just walk out on the balcony here or walk out, put that double-barreled shotgun and fire two blasts outside the house,” Biden said. “I promise you who ever is coming in is not go — you don’t need an AR-15.”

Barton was arrested Monday night, according to KOIN, after he told police he fired his shotgun while attempting to chase alleged prowlers away. According to the local report, he is charged with one count of illegal aiming or discharging a firearm.